New research into the so-called “love hormone” is trying to find out

While it’s too early to say for sure, some good news may be on the horizon for the estimated 11 percent of Americans currently taking antidepressants: A chemical called oxytocin—one your brain produces naturally when you engage in activities like cuddling, hugging and having sex—might prove effective in treating depression.

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine, who are currently enrolling participants in a randomized clinical trial, are optimistic. “The basic science, which we’ve seen in animal and human studies, indicates there are a number of reasons oxytocin could play a role in certain kinds of depression,” says Kai MacDonald, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “We also know that disruptions of early attachment”—not enough bonding time with mom, for instance—“could play a role in depression later in life.”

Sometimes called the “cuddle chemical” or the “love hormone,” oxytocin is so named because it’s released by the hypothalamus during physical intimacy (as well as during child birth, when we imagine women need it bad!). But new research is exploring how oxytocin makes us behave, not how we feel.

Interestingly enough, according to Dr. MacDonald, some studies have shown that when people are given oxytocin, they report feeling the same—but their behavior changes. “If you look at patients with depression, one of the first things to drop off the map are social interest and social connection,” says Dr. MacDonald. That means telling a depressed person to simply bond with their loved ones more to feel better is akin to telling an addict to just stop abusing the drug she's hooked on. It’s not so simple.

But because the hormone promotes what psychologists call prosocial behavior—being kind, helpful, empathetic, and friendly, among other things—it may just be an antidote to the alienation experienced by so many people when they’re down. “Oxytocin might create a feed-forward loop in depressed patients,” says Dr. MacDonald.

We’ll continue to track the developing research, but in the meantime, try these easy ways to boost your brain's oxytocin. We’re not saying they'll cure your depression, of course, but they can’t hurt. Plus, they’re all pretty fun ways to spend your time!

Give someone a hug. And not one of those quick one-armed jobs. Wrap both arms around someone you care about and take a few deep breaths.

Pile on the PDA. During sex (and especially after orgasm), the brain is flooded with oxytocin, which is why, some experts theorize, women seem to like to cuddle after doing the deed. But kissing works wonders, too.

Look at your loved ones. There’s some evidence that simply gazing intently at someone you love—and possibly even just thinking about them—can release oxytocin in the brain.

Say thanks. Remember those prosocial behaviors we mentioned? Some research shows that feeling and expressing sincere gratitude to another person can also release the love hormone.